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Freed Man Returns Home

    Created: 12/6/2007 12:33:48 AM    Updated: 12/6/2007 12:35:03 AM
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JACKSONVILLE, FL -- New evidence cleared him of murder. Now, the man who was in jail for 13 years in Jacksonville is back in his hometown in Wisconsin.

There was an emotional reunion at the Central Wisconsin Airport Wednesday night. Former prisoner, Chad Heins, embraced his stepmother in front of the cameras.

Heins was freed this week because his DNA didn't match crime scene evidence. Heins say he wants to stay put, with his family close by. "It's real great to get back. I wanna stay right here. They broke me. I'm not ever leaving Wisconsin again," said Heins.

His stepmother told reporters they want to take things slowly. "I think we'll just take one day at a time and we'll support him on whatever he can deal with right now," said Mary Heins.

Heins was living with his brother and sister-in-law, Tina Heins, when she was murdered in their Mayport apartment. The Innocence Project Group secured the DNA evidence that helped clear Heins of first-degree murder.

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